Somos Ammonites!

Hola todos!

    What a wonderful week full of milagros milagros milagros!  It is
our last week until transfers!  AHH time is flying by too fast!  Our
first tender mercy this past week was given to us by one of our many
favorite investigators Kris Poff.  As many of you already know, we were
eager to become true Texans as we learned how to rope a steer.  As we
rolled up to the ranch, AKA the church building, Kris met us with
cowgirl hats, oversized sodas, and a calf ready for the catch.  We got
all dressed up in true cowgirl gear as she handed each of us a rope.
We started swinging right away and only roped ourselves once or twice
then we became natural at it (a picture is worth a thousand words so please
enjoy the many photos).  We sure enjoyed our time spent with Kris. 

An update on her is that she practically has her whole baptism planned

and is progressing quickly in her preparation.  We are excited for her!
    Tuesday we had district meeting.  I gave my first training in
Spanish and lets just say I hope someone learned something from it.
It wasn't my first training that I had given in the mission so I'm
grateful I knew how to give a training at least.  I was given the
topic of teaching the rest of the district new ways on how to teach
the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I came up with some object lessons that
the missionaries could use to help their investigators understand each
principle better. It went really well and later I heard that some of
the companionships in the district used the object lessons when they were

teaching some of their investigators and they went really well. 

So that was a plus!
    I was also able to have a wonderful exchange with Hermana Ferrell
this week.  She came to Carrizo Springs and we were able to teach lots
of people here.  We taught another one of our progressing investigator
families (Anna, Pearl, and Pearl's kids - Precious who's 9, Paris
who's 4, Royce who's 6, Jason who's 8, Roger who's 11, Lionel who's
14, and Juan who's 16).  We taught them the gospel of Jesus Christ and
used the object lessons to teach each of the principles of the gospel.
It really helped them understand it better.  Anna talked to her boss
at work this week and told him she was going to have to have Sundays
off because she wanted to be able to keep coming to church!  We were
super excited about that.  She really loved it when she came to church
last week and she saw the need and importance of it.  They are doing
so well and love reading in the Book of Mormon together and yesterday
we taught them and all the kids how to pray and they loved it and all
wanted to start praying as a family (aaww that makes me so happy)!
    We were able to find unplanned service opportunities this week and
it was great.  While trying to get in touch with one of our less
active branch members we found him in midday Texas heat installing new
headlights in his car.  He had probably crushed his thumb one time too
many because he seemed pretty ready to abandon the project entirely.
Although he hesitantly declined our offer to help we jumped in anyway.
With 45 minutes of sweat, dirt, and grease all over our bodies we had
finished his project and gained his friendship (thanks dad and
friends for helping prepare me for surprise mechanical service). On
Saturday we were able to get in touch with an old investigator named Joseph.
It was so good to meet him.  His eyes lit up when we came around the
corner and we were grateful to find out that he has been continuing to
read in the Book of Mormon.  He picked up more hours at work so we
hadn't been able to see him for awhile.  Anyway, he was in the middle
of repairing a chain fence for a nearby church, so after a tour of his
adorable garden, we jumped in and helped him finish up. He was so
grateful.  We were able to share a short message with him afterwards
and he said he wants to plan a picnic to say thank you to us for our
next appointment.  I never thought that the friends I would gain out
here would be older oil field workers, but these people are the most
humble, loving, giving people I have ever met, and I want to serve with
them forever. We also helped another one of our investigators clean
out an apartment that she is trying to rent out. She needed the tub
scrubbed.  I always forget how extremely dirty a place can get until I
am way too far in to back out. The bath was completely covered in a
brown crusty mix of dirt and soap scum. We rolled up our sleeves and
with all the elbow grease we could offer we got the tub nearly back to
it's original off white.  It'll probably look better when the rest of
the bathroom is clean.  Ok, one more service story if you can bear it!
We go twice each week to help out at the local hospital. This week we
found a lot of things there...such as my desired career field...and some
new friends. On Friday we went with two of the receptionists for a
spontaneous McDonalds run (McDonald's is fine dining out here
folks).  We laughed with them over our french fries until we ran out
of breath and then recovered ourselves with ice cream cones. They have
asked us a lot of questions about our faith and missionary work
because of the trust and friendship that has grown between us.
Although we cannot proselyte in the hospital some seeds have
definitely been planted.
    Through the service that we did this week we were able to build better
relationships with each of these wonderful people.  I love doing
service!  It truly brings me happiness.  Speaking of happiness, I read
something this week that I wanted to share with you.  I can't remember
the resource but this is what I had written down.  "Heavenly Father
desires that we find true, lasting happiness. Our happiness is the
design of all the blessings He gives us--gospel teachings,
commandments, priesthood ordinances, family relationships, prophets,
temples, the beauties of creation, and even the opportunity to
experience adversity.  His plan for our salvation is often called “the
great plan of happiness”.  He sent His Son to carry out the Atonement so
we can be happy in this life and receive a fulness of joy in the
eternities.  In John 3:16 it says "For ​​​God​ so ​​​loved​ the
​​​world​, that he ​​​gave​ his ​​​only​ begotten ​​​Son​, that
whosoever ​​​believeth​ in him should not perish, but have
​​​everlasting​ ​​​life​."  He wants us to be happy therefore He's
going to create every opportunity for us to return to live with Him
again."
     It's been a wonderful week full of many miracles!  We found so many
opportunities to teach others!  Also we were able to watch the General
Women's Conference at our church building and our investigator Betty
came and really loved it!  I was looking forward to watching it!  I
loved the talk by Bonnie H. Gordon.  She shared a scripture that hit
me in the heart when I read it.  It was Proverbs 3:5-6 

5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
understanding.
6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Three ways to keep our knowledge and trust in our Savior
-fest upon the words of Christ (more scriptures)...search the scriptures!
-prayer (keep that open communication with our Heavenly Father)
-serve others (the best way to know our savior Jesus Christ and
feeling true happiness is by serving others as he did)

   Also I wanted to end my email by sharing these scriptures and one more thought.
I read in Mosiah 5 this week and this is what it says:

  1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had thus spoken to
his people, he sent among them, desiring to know of his people if they
believed the words which he had spoken unto them.
  2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the
words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their
surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which
has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no
more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.
  3 And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of God, and
the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to
come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things.
  4 And it is the faith which we have had on the things which our king
has spoken unto us that has brought us to this great knowledge,
whereby we do rejoice with such exceedingly great joy.
  5 And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his
will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he
shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring
upon ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by the
angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God.
  6 And now, these are the words which king Benjamin desired of them;
and therefore he said unto them: Ye have spoken the words that I
desired; and the covenant which ye have made is a righteous covenant.
  7 And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be
called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for
behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that
your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are
born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.
  8 And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head
whereby ye can be made free.  There is no other name given whereby
salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the
name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God
that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.
  9 And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found
at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is
called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ.
  10 And now it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall not take upon
him the name of Christ must be called by some other name; therefore,
he findeth himself on the left hand of God.
  11 And I would that ye should remember also, that this is the name
that I said I should give unto you that never should be blotted out,
except it be through transgression; therefore, take heed that ye do
not transgress, that the name be not blotted out of your hearts.
  12 I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name
written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand
of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be
called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.
  13 For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is
a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his
heart?
  14 And again, doth a man take an ass which belongeth to his neighbor,
and keep him? I say unto you, Nay; he will not even suffer that he
shall feed among his flocks, but will drive him away, and cast him
out.  I say unto you, that even so shall it be among you if ye know
not the name by which ye are called.
  15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable,
always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent,
may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have
everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power,
and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in
earth, who is God above all.  Amen.

    In these verses these people are developing a true change of heart and
want to follow our Savior Jesus and in verse 8 I love how it talks
about being free. How have you been freed through your Savior Jesus
Christ?

    There is a Mormon message I want y'all to look up and watch with your
families.  Its called A change of heart.  It's about a young man who
lives in Honduras and his life was going down a path in which he was
going to see a lot of hardship but his friend was able to share his
testimony with him and his heart was softened and changed forever.

    Family and friends, like king Benjamin and like this friend in the
video, may we not be afraid to share our testimonies with others. You
never know who's heart you might help soften and change. I would
invite you this week to find ways you can share your testimony with
others.  I know the spirit will guide you.  I want to here your
experiences that you have if you would like to share them with me.  I
know We can come to know our Savior better when we trust in Him and as
we share our testimonies with others we can help others feel of the
Savior's love for them.  I hope y'all have a wonderful week. I love
you!

Con Amor,
Hermana Mann

10 INVESTIGATORS AT CHURCH!!

Hola todos! 

What another wonderful week it's been here in Carrizo springs!  We have been busy all week and it's been great!  I truly love Texas and everyone here!  It's starting to get real hot down here!  Thank goodness for air conditioning!  I've never sweat so much in my life.  The humidity just makes you feel like your sopping wet all the time.  

I'm going to start out my email today by telling you the miracle of having 10 investigators at church yesterday!  We had invited a lot of people to church this week and Anna and Pearl came!  When they arrived all the sudden Pearl had 7 kids with her.  We thought she only had 2 little girls, Precious and Paris, but turns out she has 7 kids!  They were all so excited to come to church and they were all dressed nicely and ready to learn.  Earlier on in the week we had set up a church tour to do with them and they absolutely loved it and were so excited to come to church on Sunday!  I gave a talk during Sacrament meeting and then Hermana Landon and I sang a duet in Spanish.  They loved it and felt the spirit so strong that they both cried.  Pearl took a lot of notes during church and said her favorite part was Relief Society!  All of her kids enjoyed primary too.  They drew pictures and then after they told Pearl what they had learned and were so excited!  It was great to see them all happy and have such a wonderful experience!  We have another lesson set up with them tomorrow so hopefully things will go well.  They love learning and reading in the Book of Mormon and the pamphlets that we give them!  

We had some sad news happen this week.  Jessie Gomez decided he wasn't ready right now to make any changes or commitments in his life, but that maybe in the future he would be.  That made us so sad, but to know that he has the Book of Mormon and he knows how to contact the missionaries is a good thing, so hopefully one day he will meet with the missionaries again.

Betty Garcia is having a rough time making time to meet with us and has been working on Sundays so it's hard for her to make it to church.  But last night we were able to meet with her again and we had a good lesson with her and were able to teach based on her needs.  She told us she really wants to make time to meet with us every day this week so she can continue learning and feel the spirit in her life again. She has such a strong testimony of the gospel and its amazing how fast she is learning and knows that God is aware of her and everything she is going through.  

We had a wonderful lesson with Stacie and Carlos this week.  Brother Alvarez was able to come with us and he bore a powerful testimony on how repentance has changed his life.  Carlos is a less active member and Brother Alvarez is his older brother.  Stacie is a non-member and is Carlos's girlfriend.  We taught them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Stacie shared with us how much she wants change in her life and just wants to be happy!  They weren't able to make it to church this week because they went out of town, but hopefully this next week they will be able to come (crossing fingers). 

A miracle happened this week!  Our investigator Kris Poff decided she wants to be baptized!  She sent us a text message after we met with her that she wants to get baptized in June in Bluff Utah where all her family and friends are living. We are super excited for her and hope that everything will go well with that!  She is the biggest cowgirl I've ever met and she's teaching us how to rope today for p-day (yay)! 

This weekend we had the wonderful opportunity to go to San Antonio for Zone Conference.  Elder Craig C. Christensen from the 70 came and spoke with us.  It was by far the best Zone Conference I've had my whole mission.  He spoke to us about a few things and then we did a Q&A for about 2 hours.  It was the greatest thing ever!  I've never had so many questions answered all at one time.  I'm grateful that he was able to come here and speak with us.  I know that our Prophet and the 12 Apostles and the 70 are men called from God.

To finish up my email today I wanted to share a thought that I had this week starting with a story from the October 2016 General Conference: By Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. Of the Seventy.

"On June 14, 1989, due to some misinformation about the Church, the government of Ghana banned all activities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints within that African country.  The government seized all Church property, and all missionary activity stopped.  The members of the Church, who refer to this period as “the freeze,” did their best to live the gospel without branch meetings or the support of missionaries. There are many inspiring stories about how the members kept the light of the gospel shining by worshipping in their homes and looking after each other as home and visiting teachers.

Eventually the misunderstanding was resolved, and on November 30, 1990, the freeze ended and normal Church activities resumed.  Since then there has been an excellent relationship between the Church and the government of Ghana.  Members who lived through the freeze are quick to point out the blessings that came from that unusual period.  The faith of many was strengthened through the adversity that they faced.  But one blessing of the freeze came in an unusual way.  Nicholas Ofosu-Hene was a young policeman assigned to guard an LDS meetinghouse during the freeze. His duty was to watch over the building at night. When Nicholas first arrived at the meetinghouse, he saw that things had been scattered around, with papers, books, and furniture in disarray.  In the midst of this disorder, he saw a copy of the Book of Mormon.  He tried ignoring the book because he had been told that it was evil.  But he felt strangely attracted to it.  Finally, Nicholas could ignore the book no longer.  He picked it up.  He felt impelled to start reading it.  He read through the night, tears running down his cheeks as he read.

The first time he picked it up, he read all of 1 Nephi. The second time, he read all of 2 Nephi.  When he got to 2 Nephi chapter 25, he read the following: “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”

At that point, Nicholas felt the Spirit so strongly that he started sobbing. He realized that in the course of his reading he had received several spiritual promptings that this book was scripture, the most correct he had ever read.  He realized that the Latter-day Saints, contrary to what he had heard, strongly believe in Jesus Christ.  After the freeze ended and missionaries returned to Ghana, Nicholas, his wife, and his children joined the Church.  When I saw him last year, he was a police commander and was serving as the president of the Tamale Ghana District of the Church.  He says: “The Church has transformed my life. … I thank the Almighty God for leading me into this gospel.”"

    I know that our loving Heavenly Father has a plan and he wants us to be happy.  Knowing that doubt, disbelief, and misinformation would remain after centuries of darkness known as the great Apostasy our Heavenly Father brought forth an ancient volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible, which contains the fullness of the gospel, the plan of salvation, and it testifies of Jesus Christ.  Reading, pondering, and praying about the Book of Mormon are critical for someone to receive a lasting conversion. 

Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. goes on to say, "Some people have such a powerful experience with the Book of Mormon the first time they open it, but for others the witness of the truthfulness comes more gradually as they read and pray about it."

    He told of an experience that one of his friends once had.  He says, "I have a friend who read the Book of Mormon searching to know if it was true. He applied the invitation in Moroni to ask God with a sincere heart, with real intent and faith in Christ, if the Book of Mormon is true. But he did not immediately get the promised spiritual answer. However, one day as he was deep in thought, driving down the road, the Spirit testified to him of the truth of the Book of Mormon. So happy and overwhelmed was he that he rolled down the car window and yelled, to no one in particular and yet to all the world, “It’s true!”"

When I first read the Book of Mormon as a young child with my family it didn't make a whole lot of sense to me with the big words and the usage of thee, thou, thine but as I grew up to be a teenager I kept reading it on my own, praying, writing down spiritual promptings that I would receive so that I could understand it better and as I came to be an adult I still didn't fully understand it but every time I read it I could sense something. There was always a sense of spirit and peace that came every time I opened the book. The feeling grew as I continued my reading and knowledge came with it along with my testimony of it's truthfulness.  

Whether our testimony of the Book of Mormon comes the first time we open it or over a period of time, it will influence us all of our days if we continue to read it and apply it's teachings. President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path.”

    The greatest power of the Book of Mormon is it's impact in bringing us closer to Jesus Christ.  I have been asked many times on my mission "But  why  is  the  Book  of  Mormon so  essential if  we already  have  the  Bible  to  teach  us  about  Jesus Christ?" 

Elder  Tad  R.  Callister said this, "Have  you  ever  wondered  why  there  are  so many  Christian  churches  in  the  world  today when they obtain their doctrines from essentially the same Bible?   It is  because the  interpret the Bibl differently.  If  they interprete  it the same, they would  be the same church.  This is not a condition the Lord desires, for the Apostle Paul declared that there is “one  Lord, one  faith, one baptism” (Ephesians  4:5).  To help bring this oneness about, the Lord established a divine law of witnesses.  Paul taught, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Corinthians  13:1).  The Bible is one witness of  Jesus Christ;  the Book of  Mormon is another.  Why is this second witness so crucial?  The  following  illustration  may help: How many straight lines can  you draw through a single point on a piece of  paper?  The answer is infinite.  For a moment, suppose that single point represents the Bible and that hundreds of  those straight lines drawn through that point  represent different interpretations of the Bible and that  each of those interpretations represents a different church.  What happens, however, if on that piece of  paper there is a second point representing the  Book of Mormon?  How many straight lines could you draw between these two reference  points: the Bible and the Book of Mormon?  Only one.  Only one interpretation of Christ’s doctrines survives the  testimony of these two witnesses. Again and again the Book of Mormon acts as a confirming,  clarifying,  unifying witness of the doctrines  taught in the Bible so that there is only “one Lord,  one faith,  one  baptism."

    I am grateful for the invitation and promise that the Lord has offered through the prophet Moroni to each of us and to everyone who reads the Book of Mormon.  I would invite all of you to go read the 2nd to last paragraph in the Introduction to the Book of Mormon even if you have already read it before.  Pray and learn something new from it.  

I know that whether it be the first time you open up the Book of Mormon or the 75th time you open it up that you WILL receive that promised blessing as you seek and pray with a sincere heart that the Lord will bare witness of its truthfulness unto you.  I know that God lives and loves us.  He wants to bless each of us.  He has a plan and He wants us to be happy.  I love each and every one of you.  I pray for you and your families and I know that as you have faith in the Lord and continue to press forward that you will find true happiness in your life.  I know the Book of Mormon is true and that it contains all truth in it. 

I hope y'all have a wonderful week!  I love you, stay safe.

Con amor,

Hermana Mann  

"NOW IS THE TIME for members and missionaries to work together"

HOLA TODOS! 

What a wonderful week its been full of many miracles.  We have really been working hard this week to work with our members.  They are so wonderful and I love them a lot!  We have been able to see a lot more success as we've been working together to find the prepared!  I want to share a miracle that happened this week.  A couple weeks ago we gave a member a restoration pamphlet.  We told him about the impression we had received to work in the city that he lives in and asked him to read over it and pray about who he knew that needed the message of the restoration.  Well, he came to us this past week and told us he set up an appointment for us with his less active brother (Carlos) and his non member girlfriend (Stacie).  We went to the lesson and the member came with us and bore a powerful testimony of Joseph Smith.  Both Carlos and Stacie were touched and agreed to come to church this week.  BUT THATS NOT ALL!  30 minutes after we left Stacie texted us and said she had a few more questions and really wanted us to come back before we went back home that night. We were able to return after our other appointments and ended up teaching her the plan of salvation to answer her questions.  She was so amazed and excited to learn more. She told us as soon as we left that she would start reading in the Book of Mormon.  We are excited to meet with her again this Thursday!  

We've found a lot of new investigators this week and I've never been so busy on my mission going from appointment to appointment!  It's the best!  We had another lesson with Brenda and we taught her the Plan of Salvation.  She ate it right up and said "Sisters this makes so much sense!"  We invited her to come to church this Sunday!  

I had the wonderful opportunity to go on exchanges this week with my amazing Sister Training Leader (Hermana Larsen). I went to her area (Eagle Pass) and we saw so many miracles together and we taught a lot of people and were able to do some service for a family in their ward. I learned a lot from her!  Also this week our members that we live with made Tripa (cow intestines) and Mollejas (spit glands of the cow) and I ate it!  Lets just say it wasn't my favorite texture but it tasted fine.  

We had another miracle happen this week.  We were trying to find people to teach and we were at these apartment complexes and there are so many stray cats and dogs here in Carrizo Springs.  Sometimes dogs will follow us and yap at us and it's a little scary but while we were at these apartments this lady was putting a bunch of cats in her car because she was going to take them home with her. She told us she already has 16 cats at home (like she doesn't have enough already).  All the same, we as diligent finders (and true hufflepuffs) offered to help her catch a cat hoping we could teach her a gospel lesson too.  Mear moments before we captured the cat in question, a woman came outside and told us that her mother (the cats owner) would not like it if she discovered her cat was missing. The owner came outside as well.  After many apologies from the cat catcher she took off with the cats already in her car, leaving us to talk to the cat ladies. We struck up a conversation and we were able to teach the restoration as the cats coated our ankles in their hair. Long story short they invited us back yesterday to teach them more and so we did!  There names are Pearl and Anna. We are excited to report that it was a wonderful lesson and we have a church tour with them this Tuesday.  We are stoked! 

Our wonderful mission President came to Eagle Pass on Saturday and we had interviews with him and then he gave us a training about working together with members, and he quoted our beloved Prophet and said, "Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together and work together".  It is so important for us all to work together to bring souls back to Christ! I want to challenge all of you if you haven't gone out with the missionaries to call them right now and set up a time to go with them!  DONT BE AFRAID TO SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY! 

We had a lesson with Chris Poff this week and we read Lehi's dream together and talked about enduring to the end.  She is so close to getting baptized!  She also told us she will teach us how to rope next pday because it's raining really hard here today.  We can't wait!!

    WOW what a wonderful week it's been!  I know the Lord is preparing people here for us to meet!  I can't wait to find them!  I have been asked to prepare a talk to give this upcoming Sunday at Church and I've decided to talk on JOY!  I wanted to share with y'all what I've gathered throughout my studies this week. 

Ultimate Joy in Spite of Proximal Problems.

We learn early in the Book of Mormon that "men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25)  We can find great comfort in knowing that our very purpose in this life is to be joyful. But in spite of this knowledge it seems that we spend much of our times in the doldrums, wondering to anyone who will listen, "when will I receive that promised joy?"  It is these moments when we failed to grasp the bigger picture.  When Joseph Smith pled for relief in Liberty Jail, the divine response was not "Oh, I did not intend to give you an experience that you would not enjoy." Rather he received the motivating, although a bit intimidating promise that "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (D&C 122:7). 

If times of trial and experience are required for our greater good, what does it mean to have joy?  Are we just meant to suffer through as many trials as we can bear so that when the marathon is finally run we may rejoice?  As we face each hurdle must we grit our teeth and "just hang in there"?  I do not believe this is how it it meant to be!  To quote Elder Kevin J Pearson of the 70 to “hang in there” is not a principle of the gospel." (Stay by the Tree, Apr 2015) However enduring to the end is a principle of the gospel. And endurance requires joy.

See the Good

As the Israelites sought the promised land twelve men were sent ahead to scout their path to safety. When these twelve returned they came with fruit from the promised land, stories of it's beauty and reports of the dangerous people who currently possessed it.  Ten of these scouts emphasized the strength and size of the Cannanites saying, "We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we." (Numbers 13:31)  Only 2 chose to see the possibility in such a challenge. Caleb boldly declared before the people "Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it." (Numbers 13:30)  Now the people of Moses had a choice, would they see the land as half full of invincible enemies or optimistically remember that it was fully promised to them by an omnipotent God?  The people chose the lesser part, gave into fear of the unknown and as a result were condemned to never posses the promised land but instead to wander in the wilderness for forty years.  In this instance the choice between optimism and pessimism turned out to also be a choice between life and death. The case of the Israelites may seem extreme but I believe it is not so different from our choice today. I know many people who because of seemingly insurmountable trials wander in the wilderness of despair for many years simply because believing that things could turn out well requires too much work.  At times the happy choice is not the easy one!  Had the Israelites hopefully marched into the promised land, there would have been wars waged and much tribulation to obtain the land of promise. But that land was indeed promised to them. Just as we are promised joy! 

As Christ explained to his disciples that he must leave them for a time he saw the worry in their countenances and comforted them saying, "and now therefore ye have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy shall no man take from you." (John 16:22)  What joy can no man take from us?  The joy of eternal life.  This joy is ours to choose. 2 Nephi 2:27 teaches us that "men are free according to the flesh ... And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."  Our Heavenly Father has gifted us agency, the ability to choose. A choice is placed before us.  Joy juxtaposed against misery.  Light in perfect contrast to dark. There is no confusion as to who is the source of either of these. All that is needed is for us to choose. 

Sweet is the Joy the Gospel Brings

How do we make such a choice? There are days when everything seems to go wrong and despair seems to be the only option.  I'm sure you have experienced such days. First thing in the morning you discover your favorite sweater has shrunk in the wash, the battery of your car has died, you smash your thumb, jam your toe, shout at a loved one, and your next door neighbor has the nerve to walk out of his house with a smile on his face, whistling to no one in particular.  In spite of the way it may appear, we can choose joy even on these days.  Perhaps these are the days in which it is most important to make such a choice. 

I am reminded of a principle taught by Elder Neal A Maxwell to Elder David A Bednar.  Elder Bednar tells of a visit during which Elder Maxwell stayed with him.  During this trip Elder Bednar asked what lessons he had learned through his struggle with cancer.  To which Elder Maxwell replied, “I have learned that not shrinking is more important than surviving.”  In Elder Maxwell's general conference address in October of 1997 he taught, “As we confront our own … trials and tribulations, we too can plead with the Father, just as Jesus did, that we ‘might not … shrink’--meaning to retreat or to recoil (D&C 19:18).  Not shrinking is much more important than surviving!  Moreover, partaking of a bitter cup without becoming bitter is likewise part of the emulation of Jesus” (Ensign, Nov. 1997, 22).  

Choosing joy is an important step on our path to discipleship!  Each time we over look the disappointments which seem to surround us, choosing instead to press forward with faith, confidence, and a smile on our face, we become a bit more like our Savior. 

Oh how tempting it is when we are mocked and tried, beaten and trodden upon, to cry out "Lord! This is more than I can bear!"  But we must remember "The Son of Man hath descended below them all." (Doctrine and Covenants 122:8)  He knows exactly how we feel and desires to constantly bless us.  When we close our hearts in anger we create a barrier between ourselves and the blessings he desires to give us. "In reality, Heavenly Father is constantly raining blessings upon us.  It is our fear, doubt, and sin that, like an umbrella, block these blessings from reaching us...The Creator of the seas, sands, and endless stars is reaching out to you this very day!  He is offering the grand recipe for happiness, peace, and eternal life!" (President Uchtdorf Ensign Nov 2014)  Will you follow this recipe?  There are 4 simple ingredients and one step. Those ingredients are faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost. Add each of these to your life and then endure to the end.  Can ye not see?  The guaranteed path to happiness, to eternal joy, is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  His life was dedicated to showing us, by example, how we might have joy.  The plan of happiness is not for us to burden ourselves with some grand to do list. The plan is to enjoy the journey. 

Jenkins Lloyd Jones said years ago, “Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. 

“Most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. …

“Life is like an old-time rail journey--delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.

“The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.” (Deseret News, 12 June 1973.)

Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude 

David A Bednar taught, "Character is revealed in the power to discern the suffering of other people then we ourselves are suffering; in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry; and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress."

Gordon B Hinkley taught, “The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best medicine for despair is service. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired” (“Words of the Prophet: Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel,” New Era, July 2000, 7).

"Because I have been sheltered, fed, by thy good care; I cannot see another's lack and I not share. My glowing fire, my loaf of bread, my roofs safe shelter overhead that he too may be comforted."

Enjoy the Journey

The story is told of a woman who approached the gates of Heaven and was asked by the guard standing there, "Sister, do you think you will be welcomed here?"

"Of course!" She quickly replied, "I received all the necessary covenants, I served in the relief society presidency for 4 years, raised 5 children in the gospel, went to the temple every week, paid my tithing faithfully, and helped in the conversion of 18 others."

"That is wonderful sister!" Said the sentinel, "Did you enjoy it?"

She thought for a moment then carefully responded "Well...I did it... I also make quilts for 4 for homeless children, taught seminary for a year, cared for my mother in her last years, sent each of my missionary children a letter every week and a package each month, and whenever my sons were responsible for bringing bread for the sacrament I sent a homemade loaf." 

"Yes, that is very good" the guard said, "but, did you enjoy it?"

Again the woman thought and then, realizing the missed opportunity, woefully answered, "Well...I did it."

This is not how our lives were designed to be. "Life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured." (Gordon B Hinkley)

How much good can we do without enjoying a moment of it?  We must turn our focus outward on the the good that there is in the world, as well as the good that we can do, rather than spending our time reflecting only on the cost of our sacrafice. 

"enter into my joy, and sit down on my throne"

This gospel brings me true JOY in my life!  I know it's true con todo mi corazón!  I hope y'all have a wonderful week!  Be safe!

Con Amor,

Hermana Mann 

I know it! God knows I know it! And I will NOT deny it!!

Hola Todos!

    WOW what a wonderful week it's been!  I can't believe my 13 month mark
is this week!  Why does time fly by so fast when preaching the gospel!?
We have found lots of new investigators this past week and we are
excited to continue teaching them!  On Monday we had to travel to San
Antonio to switch out our truck and get a new car!  We got to stay with
the Lead Sister Training leaders that night (Sister Jones and Sister
Jensen) and that was a wonderful experience.  The next morning we went to
the mission office and picked up our new car!  A 2017 Chevy Malibu (wow
it's a nice car).  We've been taking good care of it!  We still like
to bike in our area because it gives us a chance to stop and talk with
people!
    We've had so many miracles this week!  We taught Jesse Gomez again
and he felt the spirit so strong during the lesson!  Hermana Russo
came with us and Jesse really liked meeting her!  We were able to teach
him the restoration while reading the introduction to the Book of
Mormon together.  He had lots of questions that we were able to talk
about with him and Hermana Russo bore a powerful testimony of the
restoration to him.  He has also been praying to know if this is the
path he should be taking.  We have another lesson with him tonight!
We received a referral this week!  Her name is Betty Garcia.  Wow, she's
amazing and so prepared!  She met with missionaries in Virginia a few
times while visiting her daughter (who is a member) just a little
while ago, and she wanted us to come over and continue teaching her!
She has been reading the Book of Mormon and said she received a
confirmation that this church is true!  Also she has been sharing what she is
learning with her Fiancé who will be getting home from a business trip
soon, and he told her "if this is the church for you then this is the
church for us!"  WOW (miracle)!  We can't wait to meet him soon and teach
them both!  We had a lesson with Chris Poff at the church on Thursday
and we taught her about repentance and baptism.  We invited her to pray
about baptism.  She is progressing so well and loves coming to church
every week!  It's been raining a lot and flooding everywhere!  People
have been letting us in to teach them and their families and it's been
a blessing to be able to meet so many new people who are willing to
listen to the message we bring!  We had the wonderful opportunity to
watch the Face to Face with Elder Holland and Elder Eyring this week with
the Russo's.  They are men called of God!  I learned a lot from the
things that were discussed and I would invite all who didn't have a
chance to watch that to go watch it!
    We had district meeting this week out in Eagle Pass and it was
great!  We had what is called 'District Council' where we talk about any
questions that we may have about our investigators or any doctrinal
questions.  I learned a lot and I'm excited to be apart of this
district!  We also celebrated Hermano Valdez's birthday!
    Every week we have the wonderful opportunity to volunteer at the
local library and hospital for service!  It's been a lot of fun so far
to get to do that and we've been able to meet a lot of wonderful
people and also see familiar faces!
    On Sunday we heard lots of wonderful testimonies and I was able to
translate for the first time!  I was really nervous but I didn't do as
bad as I thought I would!  I'm still not perfect but I will continue to
learn.  President Garza (fist counselor to President Polley our
Mission President) came to church with his wife and then stayed for
dinner with us and the Russo's that night.  Sister Russo made Purple
cows for dessert too, which were so yummy (a smoothie made with vanilla
ice cream, grape juice concentrate, and milk).  Y'all should try it!
    I would like to share with y'all a part of a talk that I read this
week that I loved and felt the need to share it.  It's called "If ye
love me, Keep my commandments" (October 2015 General Conference)

By Carole M. Stephens

    "When our oldest daughter, Jen, brought her third daughter home from
the hospital, I went to her home to help. After getting her oldest
daughter off to school, we decided that what Jen needed most was rest.
So the best help I could give was to take her daughter Chloe home with
me so her mom and new baby sister could have some quiet time.
    I buckled Chloe into her car seat, secured my own seat belt, and
drove out of their driveway. However, before we reached the end of the
street, Chloe had unbuckled her seat belt and was standing up, looking
over my shoulder, and talking to me! I pulled the car over to the side
of the road, got out, and buckled her back into her seat.
    We started again but had gone only a short distance when she was out
of her seat again. I repeated the same steps, but this time before I
could even get back into the car and fasten my own seat belt, Chloe
was already standing up!  I found myself sitting in a car, parked on
the side of the road, having a power struggle with a three-year-old.
And she was winning!
    I used every idea I could think of to convince her that remaining
fastened in her car seat was a good idea. She was not convinced! I
finally decided to try the if/then approach.  I said, “Chloe, if you
will stay buckled in your car seat, then as soon as we get to
Grandma’s house, we can play with play dough.”  No response.  “Chloe,
if you will stay buckled in your seat, then we can make bread when we
get to Grandma’s house.”
    No response.  I tried again. “Chloe, if you will stay buckled in your
seat, then we can stop at the market for a treat!” After three
attempts, I realized this was a futile exercise. She was determined,
and no amount of if/then was enough to convince her to remain fastened
in her seat.  We couldn’t spend the day sitting on the edge of the
road, but I wanted to be obedient to the law, and it wasn’t safe to
drive with Chloe standing up. I offered a silent prayer and heard the
Spirit whisper, “Teach her.”
    I turned to face her and pulled my seat belt away from my body so
she could see it. I said, “Chloe, I am wearing this seat belt because
it will protect me. But you aren’t wearing your seat belt, and you
won’t be safe. And I will be so sad if you get hurt.”
She looked at me; I could almost see the wheels turning in her little
mind as I waited anxiously for her response. Finally, her big blue
eyes brightened, and she said, “Grandma, you want me to wear my seat
belt because you love me!”
    The Spirit filled the car as I expressed my love for this precious
little girl. I didn’t want to lose that feeling, but I knew I had an
opportunity, so I got out and secured her in her car seat. Then I
asked, “Chloe, will you please stay in your car seat?” And she
did--all the way to the market for a treat! And she stayed buckled all
the way from the market to my home, where we made bread and played
with play dough because Chloe did not forget!
    As I drove back onto the road that day, a scripture filled my mind:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” We have rules to teach, guide,
and protect children. Why? Because of the great love we have for them.
But until Chloe understood that my desire for her to remain securely
fastened in her car seat was because of my love for her, she was
unwilling to submit to what she considered a restriction. She felt her
seat belt limited her freedom.
    Like Chloe, we can choose to see commandments as limitations. We
may feel at times that God’s laws restrict our personal freedom, take
from us our agency, and limit our growth. But as we seek for greater
understanding, as we allow our Father to teach us, we will begin to
see that His laws are a manifestation of His love for us and obedience
to His laws is an expression of our love for Him."

    I KNOW that God loves each and every one of you.  He is our Father and
we are His literal children.  He knows each and every one of us and He
is fully aware of us.  Prayer is a powerful thing.  I know you can
receive answers from Heavenly Father when you ask Him with real
intent.  He is there to listen to you!  I know our Savior Jesus Christ
atoned for each of us so that we CAN return to live with our Father in
Heaven again.  I love this gospel with all my heart!  Stay strong!  Be
safe!  I love y'all!

Also, it's my wonderful mother's birthday tomorrow!  Everyone give her a
big hug for me!!  LOVE YOU MOM!!

Con Amor,
Hermana Mann